Television (band): Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Television are an American rock and roll band of the 1970s. Most histories of punk rock now acknowledge that they were the first band to which the label was applied. Television began playing at CBGBs in 1973. Unlike "punk rock" in general, which took its cue from other bands associated with CBGBs in New York, many critics consider Television's music to be experimental, proficient, abstract, and langorous.

The band initially made only two studio albums before an acrimonious split. The band members have traditionally had very independent and strongly held artistic visions, making its career somewhat spotty. The band broke up after Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine decided to pursue solo careers in 1978, but Richard Hell was the first to depart the band (forming The Heartbreakers in 1975). They briefly reformed for an eponymous third album in 1992. The band split again after the tour supporting the third album.

After being wooed back onstage together for the 2001 All Tomorrow's Parties at Camber Sands, England, they have played a number of dates around the world, and continue to tour on an irregular basis.

Members:

• Tom Verlaine - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
• Richard Lloyd - guitar, vocals
• Fred Smith - bass, vocals
• Billy Ficca - drums
• Richard Hell (who left to form The Voidoids) - bass, lead vocals

Discography:

• Marquee Moon 1977 (one of the most highly acclaimed albums of the punk era, reissued 2003 with bonus material)
• Adventure 1978 (known more to fans than the general public, charted in the US, also reissued 2003 with bonuses)
• The Blow-Up 1982 (recorded 1978) (a live bootleg of inferior quality that nevertheless captures some excellent performances)
• Television 1992 (superb musicianship, with modern recording techniques)
• Live at the Old Waldorf 2003 (recorded 1978) (taken from an FM broadcast on their 1978 tour) (recently remastered, officially released, clean sound quality; far superior fidelity to The Blow-Up)